Located within the northeast region of the city, Trinidad DC is primarily known as being a residential neighborhood. Its borders consist of Bladensburg Road to the east and West Virginia Avenue to the west. Florida Avenue provides Trinidad with its southern boundary while Mt. Olivet Road does so to the north. Situated within Ward 5, the neighborhood of Trinidad is surrounded by historic areas such as the Old City that lies to its south. So called because the area was originally part of Pierre L'Enfant's plan for the development of the nation's capital city, today it is known as either Capital Hill North or the Near Northeast. Other notable regions nearby include the Capital City Market -- also sometimes known as the Florida Market -- and Gallaudet University, located to the neighborhood's west. The neighborhood of Carver Langston is to the east while the industrial-based neighborhood of Ivy City is to the north.
Trinidad is a neighborhood whose primary home design has long been the row house. From the classic Victorian-style homes that encompassed nearly all the land parcels within the first couple of blocks north of Florida Avenue to those structures, such as craftsman-style row houses that sprang up during the 1920s, the neighborhood oozes charm, friendliness and hope. Because a prominent feature of these row houses is an expansive front porch, they make the ideal location from which to get to know your neighbors and enjoy the community. Though still fairly rare in the neighborhood, it is possible to find some apartments or condos.
While Trinidad has seen its share of rough years, it is square in the middle of an upward tick and facing a welcome revival. The Trinidad Neighborhood Association was formed in 2009 -- likely in answer to the violence and discord that gripped the area in 2008. In addition to addressing concerns from within the community, the Trinidad Neighborhood Association also strives to provide opportunities for the economic development of the area. One way that the Trinidad Neighborhood Association fosters that important sense of community is by sponsoring events that are designed to bring neighbors together for fun and enjoyment. The annual Trinidad Garden Tour highlights exceptional gardens throughout the neighborhood. A yearly block party is well attended and features activities, games and more for people of all ages. In addition to the Trinidad Neighborhood Association, the area also boasts another community group that hopes to engage its residents. The Trinidad Neighborhood Committee is an informal collection of residents -- both current and former -- that seek to bring unique events to the area. One such event, the Annual Trinidad Day, is held every August at the Trinidad Community Center. The event's aim is to support the neighborhood's youth and celebrate the community's heritage.
The neighborhood of Trinidad has its own unique culture. Pains have been taken to cultivate and celebrate it even as the makeup of the area is changing. Trinidad Art in the Alley attempts to capture the talents that exist within the community. Located near the art galleries of the Atlas/H Street art district, Art in the Alley is a day-long festival in which the area's artists are invited to come share their work with their neighbors and the public at large. It is typically held twice a year -- once in the spring and again the fall. The Atlas Performing Arts Center and Industry Gallery allow residents to enjoy a selection of dance, theater and music pieces in a venue that is based within its community. It is located along the busy H Street corridor.
Located just to the south of Trinidad is Washington's bustling H Street corridor. It is here that you can find a number of different entertainment destinations including ethnic foods, delis and pizza restaurants as well as grocery stores. Union Market, situated just across the street from Gallaudet University, features a plethora of food vendors hawking their specialty wares from inside a distinctive warehouse environment. Another unique appeal of Union Market is that during the summer, they bring back the fun and community of your neighborhood drive-in theater experience with movies.
The public schools in the neighborhood are overseen by the Washington DC school system. Students from pre-kindergarten age up to the eighth grade are serviced by the Wheatley Education Campus. The neighborhood is also home to a public charter school -- Center City PCS Trinidad Campus -- that serves the same population. The Joel Elias Springarn Senior High School provides students in grades 9 through 12 with the education they need to attend college and thrive within a global society. Gallaudet University, as a federally-chartered school, provides educational services for students who are hard-of-hearing or deaf. Conveniently reached by getting on the metro's Red Line at its NoMa-Gallaudet stop, the neighborhood of Trinidad is also serviced by a number of bus routes from MetroBus. This ease of getting around appeals to many people who are looking for an affordable home that is close to many amenities as well as downtown. While Trinidad has had some bumps along the road, it is marked by a strong community spirit that is determined to improve the neighborhood.
